Music on the Hill 2

Music on the Hill (MOTH)

Age: Ages 8-18 (CITs ages 16-18). Open to strings, piano, winds, brass, classical guitar.

Cost: Summer 2024 Registration Fee: $15. Summer 2024 Tuition: Session 1 (2 weeks) - $1,650, Session 2 (1 week) - $850, Both sessions - $2,375 (if you are registering for both, use the discount code "MothFull24" during payment to receive a $120 discount off of one session). CITs: 50% tuition discount. Limited financial aid is available - scroll down for instructions.

Audition Required

MOTH 2024 will run on the following dates –
Session 1: June 24-July 5 (No July 4th, plus “field trip Friday” on July 5th!),
Session 2: July 8-12.

MOTH placement auditions will take place on select dates in March, April, and early May. Scroll down for audition details!

1, 2, or 3 weeks!

Looking for a unique summer music program? MOTH is perfect for intermediate and advanced music students looking for an inspiring and immersive music experience.

Music on the Hill (MOTH) offers a well-rounded curriculum of chamber music, orchestra, interactive workshops, musical and non-musical electives, solo recital opportunities, and private lessons. The program ends with performances by all ensembles.

For over 25 years, MOTH has attracted dedicated and curious music students from all over the Boston area. Students come to hone their skills within the classical music tradition, while also being exposed to music of other genres, such as jazz, traditional fiddle, and other music from around the globe.

MOTH faculty members are well-known for their experience and success with young people at this formative and decisive stage of musical development. Participants come away with a heightened musical awareness, new friendships, and an enthusiastic interest in music-making.

Summer 2024 Information:

Session 1: June 24 – July 5 (no July 4, plus “field trip Friday” on July 5!)
Session 2: July 8 – 12
Or attend both sessions!

Monday – Friday, 8:45 am – 4:45 pm

New students should schedule an audition using the link in the audition section below, then are invited to register after audition and acceptance.

Returning MOTH students are welcome to register starting January 2 using the registration links in the purple section below.

Session 1 Performance:

Wednesday, July 3rd, 6:30 pm

Session 2 Performances:

Friday, July 12th, 6:30 pm

After-Care Option (Late Pick-up)

  • Session 1 (2 weeks) – 4:45-6:00 Mon-Fri first week and Mon-Tues second week, no July 4th. $90
  • Session 2 (1 week) – 4:45-6:00 Mon-Thurs, $50
  • Single day drop-in price: $15 (Please call to arrange this)

Financial Aid is available for summer day programs on a limited basis. Please see below for the application process.

Questions? Email moth@powersmusic.org

Core Faculty & Staff

(subject to change)

MOTH Artistic Director
Dr. Meghan Miller

Spencer Aston, Trumpet/Outdoor Recreation/Digital Music
Judy Bedford, Bassoon
Todd Brunel, Clarinet/Jazz Ensemble
Mary Cunningham, Chorus
Gavin Farrell, Hand Drumming Ensemble
Adam Grossman, Orchestra
Colleen McGary-Smith, Cello
Meghan Miller, Flute
Catherine O’Kelly, Guitar
Olga Patrmanska-Bell, Violin
Dimitar Petkov, Viola/Violin
Kathryn Rosenbach, Piano/Recital Accompanist
Dawn Scaltreto, Art
Liana Zaretsky, Violin
Ellery Klein, Fiddle Ensemble
Lydia Lucas, Percussion Ensemble

Sample Daily Schedule

Subject to change

  • 8:30 – 8:45 am Drop-Off
  • 8:45 – 9:00 am Meeting
  • 9:00 – 10:00 am Chamber Music (Session 2: Group Class)
  • 10:05 – 11:05 am Chamber Music
  • 11:05 – 11:20 am Snack
  • 11:25 am – 12:25 pm Jazz/Afro-Carribean Drumming (Session 1) or Traditional Music (Session 2)
  • 12:25 – 1:25 pm Lunch/Rec Time
  • 1:30 – 2:30 pm Art/Digital Music
  • 2:35 – 3:20 pm Workshops/Recitals
  • 3:30 – 4:30 pm Orchestra/Wind Ensemble
  • 4:30 – 4:45 pm Clean-Up
  • 4:45 pm Pick-Up

Private Lessons

Included in the MOTH program, students will receive:

Session 1: Two 45-minute lessons
Session 2: One 30-minute lesson

Private lessons may happen in-person, or virtually outside of the MOTH day.

Summer 2024 Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for students who can document financial need. Financial aid applications will be accepted for summer day programs only until all available aid is exhausted.

All new and returning students interested in applying for financial aid for summer day programs should first register for the program using the links in the purple section below, and then fill out the Financial Aid Application Form, following the instructions at the top of the form. If we are able to award any aid, we will notify you and adjust your payment accordingly.

Please reach out to office@powersmusic.org if you have any questions about the financial aid process.

Counselors-in-Training

Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program provides leadership experience for students ages 16-18.

  • Students play and perform in chamber ensembles and the final performances.
  • Students have the opportunity to perform in weekly solo recitals.
  • Students assist faculty and staff in rehearsals and other activities during the day.
  • Enrollment is limited based on instrumentation.

To apply for a CIT position, follow the audition instructions below and ask your private lesson teacher to submit a teacher reference form.

Submit teacher recommendation here

MOTH Auditions (2024)

All students (new and returning) will attend an in-person placement audition. New students should attend their audition before registering (if accepted). Returning students will be contacted after registration to set up an audition time. Please click on the button below to fill out the audition form, then a staff member will reach out to you to confirm your audition time.

Fill out your audition form!

Audition Dates:
(In-person at 160 Lexington Street)

  • Friday, March 15th, 5-7pm
  • Saturday, March 16th, 4-7pm
  • Friday, April 26th, 5-7pm
  • Saturday, April 27th, 4-7pm
  • Friday, May 3rd, 5-7pm
  • By appointment, if none of these options work

Audition Requirements:
Students are asked to play for approximately 10 minutes. Students should prepare:

  • 2 contrasting pieces that represent their playing (or two contrasting movements of the same piece)
  • 2 scales (of the student’s choice, in as many octaves as possible)
  • Sight-reading

Registration & Payment for Accepted / Returning MOTH Students

If you are a returning MOTH student or if you are a new student who has been accepted after your audition, please complete and submit your registration and tuition payment using the links in the purple boxes below.

If you are planning to attend both MOTH sessions, you may register for both sessions using the links below and use the discount code “MothFull24” to receive a $120 discount off of one session.

Final payment for returning MOTH students is due upon registration. Final payment for those new to MOTH is due 1 week after acceptance.

Students will receive their music for the program by early June and are expected to thoroughly prepare and work on their music with their private lesson teacher beforehand to ensure a positive experience for all.

Still have questions?

MOTH Session 1

Schedule: MON - FRI, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

Location: 160 Lexington Street (Main Building)

Dates: Jun 24 - Jul 5

MOTH Session 1 After-Care

Schedule: 8:45 am - 4:45 pm (days listed above)

Location: 160 Lexington Street (Main Building)

MOTH Session 2

Schedule: MON - FRI, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

Dates: Jul 8 - Jul 12

MOTH Session 2 After-Care

Schedule: 8:45 am - 4:45 pm (days listed above)

Location: 160 Lexington Street (Main Building)